FORMER Devizes Town manager Paul Thompson has made a shock return to the club as they bid to turn around their struggling season.

The 37-year-old had been working as assistant manager at Calne Town under Kelvin Highmore this season but will now step into the Nursteed Road dugout as joint manager alongside existing supremo Kevin Whitbread - his fourth return to the club and almost exactly a year after his previous comeback Following their relegation last year, Devizes’ season has failed to catch fire and they sit bottom of Toolsta-tion League Division One with one point from 13 games.

The Gazette understands an initial approach was rebuffed by Thompson on Friday but chairman Shaun Moffat made an improved offer following Monday nights injury-ravaged 5-1 loss at Hengrove Athletic, which was accepted.

The former Hungerford Town goalkeeper informed Calne of his decision on Tuesday and will take co-charge of the team for the first time at Elmore this Saturday.

Moffat spoke of his delight at the appointment.

“Thommo and I go back a good few years and I know his heart is with Devizes,” he said.

“He was only an assistant at Calne and this is a chance for him to get back into management.

“Kevin is still there as he is a stalwart of this club and understands what goes into a managerial role.

“Kevin is all for this. Managing a side is a very hard thing to do and you need two people who understand what it entails.

“Performances haven’t been that bad this season but hopefully we can now turn a few of them into wins.”

It is understood that Calne coach Mark Gunner will follow Thompson to Devizes in the coming days.

Assistant manager Simon Drewitt will now step down to assist Craig Whitbread in the running of the reserves.

Whitbread was reserve team boss when Thompson was previously in charge of Devizes and is looking forward to renewing the partnership.

“It was all done with my blessing and I’m really pleased,” he said.

“We’ve all kept in touch since he left and Paul has Devizes at heart. He loves the club and doesn’t want to see us struggling.”